Kansas lawmakers recently introduced a new bill, SB 358, to prevent school districts and local libraries from banning books. The proposal was in response to a controversy in Sterling, Kansas, where librarians lost their jobs over a rainbow-colored display supporting Autism awareness, misconstrued by a board member as promoting an LGBTQ+ agenda. The display was part of the national summer reading program called "All Together Now." The librarians have taken legal action against the city. 

Ensuring Informed Book Protests

Under the new bill, anyone protesting a book at a public library must read it first and provide a detailed list of reasons for their protest. For school libraries, at least 5% of qualified voters in the district would need to sign a petition before considering removing a book. The bill extends its reach to cover other media formats, such as magazines, movies, and music. 

Book Bans in Kansas

A 2022 data from PEN America revealed 30 book ban cases in the state. In Kansas, a non-profit group of parents attended school board meetings and argued for removing some books. Many attempts to introduce strict rules allow certain parents and citizens to limit access to books for students in their own and other school communities.

In a school board meeting, Danny Zeck of the Kansas State Board of Education argued about banning books in schools. Zeck expressed concerns about what he called "smut" or objectionable content in schools. Zeck quoted explicit content from a teen book and raised objections about certain books in school libraries, including those addressing gender identity.

In Kansas, the well-loved children's book "Charlotte's Web" was once banned from schools because a parent group thought the concept of animals talking was against religious beliefs that promote freedom and liberty.

READ ALSO: Acid Attack Survivor Leads Awareness Campaign in Fashion Book

Parent groups have long since advocated for their involvement in their children's education. House Bill 2236 highlights that parents have rights in their children's education. As per the bill, parents can take their children out if the material is not in the approved curriculum or goes against their beliefs or values. The bill was vetoed and postponed for further house discussions.

Other Bills Proposed

Aside from HB 358, lawmakers had also introduced other bills. A state lawmaker is advocating for the expansion of Silver Alerts, typically issued for missing senior citizens with health concerns. The proposed bill, SB 371, suggests including individuals over 18 with intellectual disabilities in these alerts.

Some lawmakers also proposed new specialized Kansas City Chiefs license plates to celebrate the football team's spirit. SB 359 suggests creating these plates, joining the ranks of over a hundred approved license plate designs in Kansas, most of which are specialty plates. The extra fees generated from these Chiefs plates would support the Hunt Family Foundation, benefitting youth health and wellness programs in the Kansas City area. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Idaho Lawmakers Advance Bill Targeting 'Harmful' Books for Minors Despite Public Opposition